Renewing Hope for Munira & Dr. Hasan's Family from Gaza
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Organizer Note: (This Campaign is verified by Pali Liberation & Butterfly Effect Project)
Hi, I’m Munira El Najar, raising funds to support my family in Gaza. Due to GoFundMe’s policies, my friend Candice Valenzuela in the USA is listed as the beneficiary, but all contributions will go directly toward ensuring my family’s survival and restoring our lives after this war.
Our Story:
My name is Munira El Najar, an educator from Gaza and a mother of four beloved children. After enduring the challenges of war, my family continues to restore our lives. I’ve always taken great pride in my profession as a teacher, seeing it as both an honor and a responsibility, and now, I remain focused on moving forward with strength and resilience.
On December 25th, 2023, we faced the unthinkable. Forced to flee our home in the north of Nuseirat amidst relentless shelling for the first time in our life. Since then, we have been displaced and escaped from death more than seven times from our home, seeking safety in places like Mawassi Rafah, Deir al-Balah, and in some of our relatives homes in Nuseirat refugee camps).
This is my family: my husband Dr. Hassan Al Qatrawy, my daughter Lamis, and my sons Ali, Mohammad, and Aboud. We shared a life full of love, joy, and cherished memories.
Dr. Hassan Al Qatrawy, PHD holder in Psychology and a former university lecturer at Al-Aqsa University—a place that has been completely destroyed. He is also a celebrated novelist, with two novels and numerous works published in prestigious literary magazines worldwide.
- Reflecting on happier times, a signing ceremony for Dr. Hassan’s novel "The Language of Adam" took place at the French Institute in Gaza, showcasing his passion for storytelling.
- In another cherished memory, Dr. Hassan passionately lectures to his Psychology students at Al-Aqsa University.
I am Munira El Najar, an English Language teacher with 16 years of experience and a Master's student in Curriculum and Instruction. I was ranked among the top ten teachers in Palestine in the 2022 "Teacher of Palestine" competition. I am also planning to complete my PhD. My classroom has always been a place for learning and support, and I look forward to continuing my work as an educator in the future.
My 18-year-old son, Ali, is passionate about business and mathematics, dreaming of a future in finance. With limited educational opportunities, his path remains uncertain.
My 15-year-old daughter, Lamis, once filled our home with laughter and dreams. She loved studying, reading, and singing, aspiring to become a dentist. But with most schools in Gaza destroyed, she has lost a year of education, and her future remains uncertain
My 13-year-old son, Mohammed, known as "Newton" for his sharp mind, dreams of becoming a surgeon. He was a dedicated student, but wit schools destructions, his education has been put on hold. Despite the challenges, he remains eager to learn and pursue his goal.
Abood, our 4-year-old, embodies childhood innocence and resilience. Once full of laughter, he now clings to me for comfort, still dreaming of playing freely in our home.
- A picture of Aboud in our place of displacement in Mawasi, Rafah Jan., 2023.
Life in the tents has been challenging, with constant uncertainty and a lack of essentials. Our once peaceful life in Gaza, filled with dreams for our children’s future, has been disrupted. Although we've returned to our home, the war has changed everything.
The goal of this campaign is to provide us with the support we need to navigate through these challenges and forge a path towards restoring our lives.
How the Funds Will Be Used:
The donations will be used for urgent needs, including:
Basic Survival Needs: Food, water, and medicine are in short supply and becoming more expensive in Gaza. We are facing actual famine, and your contributions help my family access these essentials.
Cleaning Supplies: Maintaining hygiene is crucial in these conditions. The funds will help purchase essential cleaning products to ensure safety and health.
Wood for Cooking: With the gas supply cut off, wood is necessary for cooking. Donations will help purchase firewood to prepare meals.
Education: I am working hard to keep my children engaged in their learning. Donations will help cover lessons fees and provide the necessary stationery and educational materials for their studies.
Safe Passage: Transportation costs and securing safe routes out of Gaza are overwhelming. The donations will support a potential escape to safety.
Temporary Housing and Resettlement: If my family is able to flee, the funds will assist in finding a temporary place to stay and rebuilding their lives.
Leaving Gaza is not just physically difficult, but also financially and emotionally overwhelming. My family’s safety relies on the kindness and generosity of people like you. Every donation brings them closer to safety and hope.
Why Your Support Matters
Your support is vital in helping us move forward with hope for a better future. It gives my children the chance to keep dreaming, learning, and growing despite the challenges they face.
As an educator and the wife of a respected academic and author, I’ve always believed in the power of education and the importance of the stories we share. With your support, we can restore and move forward with renewed strength and determination.
To follow our journey and connect with me personally, you can find me on Instagram at "munira_elnajar":
My husband's Dr. Hassan's accounts:
sincerely,
Munira and the family
Organizer and beneficiary
Munira Elnajar
Organizer
Denver, CO
Candice Rose
Beneficiary